Electric iron



Nov. 15, 1927. 1,649,506

c. A. BREWER ELECTRIC IRON Filed Oct. 8, 1925 4 heats-Sheet 1 IN 0R a. ram" J BY m a; ATTORNEY6 Nov. 15, 1927. 1,649,506

c. A. BREWER ELECTRIC IRON Filed 00?. 8, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR @mfw $11. @Mtfu j/zdlwggw ATTORNEYS;

Nov. 15, 1927. 1,649,506

c. A. BREWER ELECTRIC IRON Filed Oct. 8, 1925 4 She'ets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR Gfimfw 50mm ATTORNEYS L Nov. 15, 1927.

C. A. BREWER ELECTRIC IRON Filed 001;. 8, 1925 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR mam Q. MK/YW/t' P ov; 15,1927,

,649,506 NITED STATES PATENT oar-Ice,-

nammnrc co, or BROOKLYN, ,mnw You, a .conromrron' or m'ron'x.

morale more.

Application filed 0mm a, 1m. Serial Io. 01,210.

' This invention relates, generallyyto 1mprovements in electrically heated sad-lrons; and the invention has reference, more particularly, to a novel construction and arrangement of electric heating means for sadirons, whereby the pressing face of the latter is heated by radiated and reflected heat as opposed to directly conducted heat, so that tendency toward overheatmg of sand pressing face is avoided, and likelihood of scorching goods undergoing pressing operations by the iron is largely overcome.

This invention, therefore, has for ts pr ncipal object to provide, in comblnation wlth a sad-iron of either the dry iron or steam iron type, the body of which ossesses a heating chamber above its pressing face, a novel construction and arrangement of electric heating means adapted to transmit heat to said pressing face by radiation, and which is adjustable toward or away from said pressing face whereby the spacing of the same relative to said pressing face w1ll attaininore or less regulation of the heat intensity transmitted to the latter.

Other objects of this inventlon, not at this time more particularly enumerated, will be clearly understood from the followmg detailed description of the same.

The invention is clearly illustrated 1n the accompanying drawings, in wh1ch:--

Figure 1 is a vertical longitudlnal section of a sad-iron of the dry iron type equipped with the novel construction and arrangement of adjustable electric heating element for transmitting heat to the pressing face of the iron b radiation, the means for effecting the ad ustments thereof beingmanually controlled, and Figure 2 is a horizontal sectlon,

taken on line 2-2 in Figure 1, looking upthe adjustments thereof being automatic in,

operation, and in this view being shown in normal initial position; Figure 4 is a similar view showing the operation of the automatic adjusting means for regulating the position of the heating element relative to the pressing faceof the iron;Figure 5is a top plan view of the iron shown in Figures 8 and 4 with portions broken away to show interior parts; F1gure6 is a horizontal section, taken on line 6-6 in Figure 3, looking upward; Figure 7 is another horizontal sectional, view,

taken on line 7-7 in Figure 4, looking body 9 is an internal chamber or compartment 10 located above the pressing face or bottom of the iron. Suitabl secured to the upper exterior side of said dy 9 is a bail 11 hav ng at its ends up-turned arms 12 to which is attached and between which ex tends a handle grip 13. The bottom or B0 pressing face of the iron is formed by a relatively thin wall, which is preferably made of a thin sheet metal plate 14 stretched tightly across the chambered bottom of the iron body, and with the marginal portions 15 thereof turned up over the peri hery of said iron body and suitably secure thereto by a keeper member or ring 16,0r by any other method or means of attachment found to be practical and convenient. It will be rangement of iron body and ressing face member, with the internal chamber above the latter, as hereinabove described and as shown in the accompanying drawings, since, so long as the iron body is formed to provide the internal chamber above a relatively thin bottom wall or pressing face member, any detail construction or design attainin such fea tures may be employed within t e scope of this invention. The iron body, if desired may be provided in its sides with ventilating openings 17 leading out of said internal chamber or compartment 10.

Arranged within said chamber or compartment 10 of the iron body 9 is an electrical heating element 18 in the form of a mans a. n, or noao'rox mam, coxnnc'rrcur, assrenon 'ro MOI i Provided in the lower portion of said main substantially flat body disposed in a plane parallel to the plane of the pressing face of the iron, and preferably having a peri heral shape substantially conforming to the ongitudinal cross sectional shape of the iron body. Said heating element 18 is rovided with suitable electrically conductive heat generating wires or circuit elements 19: Engaging said heating element so as to carry the same, and to extend across the upper side thereof, is a combined carrier plate and reflector 20, the marginal portions 21 of which embrace and gri the peripheral portions of said heating e ement so as to support it while the body of the same is s aced slightly upward from the upper sideo said heating element. It will be understood, however, thatother methods of operatively coupling oi uniting said heating element and combined "carrier plate and reflector may be employed. Supported in connection with the "heetof said iron body 9, and insulated therefrom by insulator sleeves 22, are the usual contact pins 23 to receive the ordinary coupling device (not shown) whereby electric current may be delivered to and through said heating element 18; connection being made intermediate said contact pins 23 and the wires or circuit elements 19 of the heating element 18 by flexible circuit wire connections 24. Said heating element 18 is provided with a central opening 25, and suitably secured to said carrier plate 20, in line withsaid heating element opening 25, is a nut-piece 26 in which is threaded a rotatable adjusting screw 27. The iron body 9 is provided with a vertical passage 28 through which said adjusting screw extends, and preferably the exterior end of the latter is journaled for rotation in connection with the bail 11 but is retained against vertical or longitudinal movement by a collar 29 which engages the underside of said bail, and a finger piece or knob 30 which engages the upper side of the latter. Said finger piece or knob 30 serves as a means for manipulating the adjusting screw. It will be quite apparent that by turning the adjusting screw 27 in a proper direction, the nutpiece 26 will be caused to travel up or down upon the former, as the case may be, thus moving the heating element 18 away from or nearer to the pressing face portion of the non.

In operation, the heat developed by the heating element 18 as the electric current flows therethrough, is radiated downwardly toward the pressing face portion of the iron, and much of the heat tending to pass upward is also caused to change direction by being reflected downwardly by the combined carrier-plate and reflector 20 disposed above the heating element. More or less control of the intensity of the heat, thus transferred by radiation to the pressing face portion of the iron, may be attained by increasing or decreasing the distance of radiation by raising or lowerin the heating element rela tive to the pressing face portion of-the iron. It will be evident that the arrangement is such that direct heat transfer by conduction through an iron body of relatively large mass and heat storing capacity is avoided and that consequently there is less likelihood of overheating the pressing face portion of the iron with probable attending effects such as scorching, etc. The pressing face portion of the iron is of relatively small mass so that its heat storing capacity is negligible, and, furthermore, smce it receives its heat by radiation, rather than by direct contact -with the heat source, its temperature may be away from the pressing face portion'of the iron, and which is furthermore with a temperature sensitive means or automatically adjusting the same relative to said pressing face portion. I have also shown in said Figures 3 and 4 and in the subsequent figures of the drawing, the iron body so constructed and arranged as to provide a steam,

emitting type, that is, an iron in which the pressing face portion is constructed to provi do a steam chamber with vents at the pressing face for applying steam to the goods being pressed, and with a" connection for delivering steam to said steam chamber.

For convenience I will first describe the modification of the iron body whereby the same is constructed to provide the steam emitting features. The reference character 31 indicates the main body of the iron, the same having in its underside or bottom portion an internal chamber or compartment 32, and being further provided at its upper side with a suitable hand-grip means 33. The bottom of the iron body is closed by a bottom or partition plate 34, preferably made of relatively thin sheet metal plate suitably secured to said iron body so as to extend across the lower side of the chamber or compartment 32 thereof. Extending beneath said bottom or partition plate 34, and spaced downwardly therefrom by an intermediate spacer plate 35, is a pressing face plate 36, the same being suitably secured to the iron body, preferably by the provision of an upturned marginal flange 37 which is clinched around the periphery of the iron body over a gasket 38 to produce a leak proof joint. Said spacer plate 35 is prorovided p when closed at the to face plate 36 is perforated as shown to provide vents 41, through which steam may be emitted from the steam chamber 40, and

thus applied to the goods undergoingthe pressin operations. As shown in Figure 8 the bee of the iron is provided with a steam intake pipe or nozzle 42, the inner end of which extends downwardly through an\ opening 43 in the heel of the iron, for, connection with and through the bottom or partition plate 34, so as to communicate with the steam chamber 40, while the outer end of the same is externally projected from the heel of the iron so as to receive the connection therewith of a suitable flexible steam 1 conduit 44 adapted to conduct steam to the steam chamber 40 from a suitable source of supply.

- The automatically regulated heating ele- 'ment, which is shown in connection with the above described steam type iron, comprises an electrical heating element 45 in the form of a substantially fiat body, preferably having a peripheral shape substantially conforming to the horizontal cross-sectionaP sha of the iron body, and bein provided wit suitably arranged electrically cofiductive heat generating wires or circuit elements 46. Engaging said heating element so as to carry the same, and to extendacross' the upper side thereof, is a combinedcarrier plate and reflector 47, the marginal portions 48 of which embrace and grip the peripheral portions of said heating element so as to support it, while the body of the same is spaced slightly upward from the upper side of said heating element, or, of course, other methods of operatively uniting said parts may be employed. The forward end or toe of said carrier plate and reflector 47 is provided with a hinge car 49 which is fulcrumed on a horizontal transverse fulcrum pin 50 aflixed to the iron body within the forward end of the chamber or compartment 32, allwhereby the carrier plate and reflector 47 and heating element 45 supported thereby, may be caused to swing up and down to move said part'saway from or toward the pressing face portions of the iron. Pivotally connected with the rearward free end of said carrier plate and reflector 47 is an upwardly extending draft-link 51. Conpled with said draft-link is a heat expansible regulator means, which being sensitive to .temperature varlations, expands and contracts as the temperature of the iron rises and falls, and thus causes the heating element to be automatically moved away from or toward the pressing face portions of the upper end of said receptacle 52 is an arm iron, and thereby effects an 'automaticregulation of heat intensity transmitted by radlation from the heating element to the pressing face portions of the iron. It will, of course, be quite evident that there are many forms of devices which are expansible and contractible under the influence of temperature variations, and which could be successfully emplo ed to actuate the movements of the heating element, hence, I do not limit myself strictly to the type of tie-- vice shown in the drawings and hereafter descrlbed, which serves but to illustrate one type adapted for the purposes in view. As

shown in the drawings, the expansible regulator'mea'ns comprises a bellows-like metalhe receptacle 52 vertically disposed for longitudmal expansion and contraction, in which is contained a suitable expansible fluid 53. sensitive to temperature-variations, such e. as a volatile oil. The heel of the iron body is provided'with partment 54, in which said bellows-like receptacle 52 is mounted. Secured to the free 55, the free outer end of which is suitably a socket or comconnected or coupled with said draft-link 51. If desired said draft-link 51 may be threaded to receive an adjustable nut-piece 56 against which said arm 55 bears, so that by moving the nut-piece 56 up or down on the draft-link a proper adjustment of the coupled relation of said heating element to the expansible regulator may be attained.

Also supported in connection with the heel of the iron body 31, and insulated therefrom by insulator sleeves 57, are the usual contact p1ns58 to receive-the ordinary coupling device whereby electric current may be deliveredto and through said heating element 45; connection being made intermediate said contact-pins58 and the wires or circuit elements 46 of the heating element 45 by'flexible circuit wire connections 59.

In operation, when the iron is cold, the expansible regulator means is contracted (as shown in Figure 3), thus lowering the heating element close to the pressingface por' tion of the iron, so that the path of heat radiation, when the current is turned on, is at the minimum, and consequently a maximum.

amount of heat is transferred to the pressing reduced too much, the regulator contracts and again moves the heating element toward the pressing face portion of the iron, and

consequently it will be apparent automatic control of the temperature of the pressing face portions of the iron within desired maximum and minimum limits is provided for, so that likelihood of scorching the goods being pressed, or other undesirable effects of 0 er v eating is prevented. 1

I am aware that some changes may be made in the general arrangements and combinations of the various devices and parts, as well as in the details of the construction of the same, without departing from the scope of this invention as described in the. specification, and as defined in the the construction of said parts as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

I claim 1. In a deviceof the kind described, an iron body having an interior chamber closed at its lower side by a relatively thin bottom Wall to rovide the pressing face portion of said bo y, a flat-form electric heating element within said chamber substantially coextensive with said pressing face portion and adapted to radiate heat toward the latter, a combined carrier plate and reflector to the underside of which said heating element is secured, and means for moving said heating element toward and away from said pressing face portion.

2. In a device of the kind described, an iron body having an interior chamber above its pressing face portion, an electric heating element within said chamber opposed to and substantially coextensive with the pressing .face portion of said iron body, and means for moving said heating element toward and 'away from said presslng face portion.

3. In a device of the kind described, an iron body having an interior chamber above its pressing face portion, an electric heating element within said chamber opposed to and substantially coextensive with the pressingface portion of said iron body, and an automatic means sensitive to temperature variations for raising andlowering said heating element relative to said pressing face portion.

4. In a device of the kind described, an iron body having an interior chamber above its pressing face portion, an electric heating element within said chamber opposed to and substantially coextensive with the pressing face portion of said iron body, means for pivotally connecting said heating element with said iron body, and an automatic means sensitive to temperature variations for swinging said pivoted heating element'toward and away from said pressing face portion.

5. In a device of the kind described, an iron body having an'interior chamber above its pressing face portion, a flat-form. electric heating element within said chamber opposed to and substantially coextensive with the pressing face ortion of said iron body, means for ivotal y connecting the forward end of sai heating element with the toe of said iron body, an expansible and contractible means responsive to temperature variations mounted at the heel of said iron bod and means interconnecting said expansib e and contractible means with the rearward free end of said heating element to produce automatic regulatory swinging movements of the latter toward and away from said pressing faceportion.

6. In a device of the kind described, an

iron body having a downwardly open chamber substantially coextensive with its bottom portion, a relatively thin metallic pressing face plate connected with said iron body to close said chamber, an electric heat ing element Within said chamber opposed to and substantially coextensive with said pressing face plate, and means for moving said heating element toward and away from said pressing face plate. 7. In a device of the kind described, an iron body having an interior chamber above its pressing face portion, a flat-form electric heating element within said chamber opposed to and substantially coextensive with the pressing face portion of said iron body, a combined carrier plate and reflector to the underside of which said heating element is secured, means for ivotally connecting the forward end of said carrier plate with the toe of said iron body, an expansible and contractible means responsive to temperature variations mounted at the heel of said iron bod and means interconnecting said expansible and contractible means with the rearward free end of said carrier plate to produce regulatory swinging movements to carry said heating element toward and away from said pressing face portion.

8. In a device of the kind described, an iron body having a downwardly open chamber substantially coextensive with its bottom portion, a relatively thin ressing face portion formed by spaced wal s to provide an intermediate steam compartment, said pressing face portion being connected with said iron body to close said chamber therein, means for delivering steam into said steam compartment, the outer wall of said pressing face portion having vents leading outwardly from said steam compartment, an electric heating element within said chamber opposed to and substantially coextensive with said pressing facei portion, and means for moving said heating element toward and away from said pressing face portion.

9. In a device of the kind described, an iron body having a downwardly open chamber substantially coextensive with its bottom portion, a relatively thin pressing face portion formed by spaced walls to provide an intermediate steam compartment, said pressing face portion being connected with said iron body to close said chamber therein,

means for delivering steam into said steam compartment, the outer wall of said pressing face portion having vents leading outwardly from said steam compartment, an electric heating element within said chamber opposed to and substantially coextensive with said pressing face portion, means for pivotally connecting the forward end of said heating element with the toe of said iron body, an expansible and contractible means responsive to temperature variations mounted at the heel of said iron body, and means interconnecting said expansible and contractible means with the rearward free end of said heating element to produce automatic regulatory swinging movements of the latter toward and away from said pressing face portion.

10. In a device of the kind described, an iron body having a downwardly open chamber substantially coextensive with its bottom portion, a relatively thin pressing face portion formed by spaced walls to provide an intermediate steam compartment, said pressing face portion beingconnected with said iron body to close said chamber therein, means for delivering steam into said steam compartment, the outer wall of said pressing face portion having vents leading outwardly from said steam compartment, an electric heating element within said chamber opposed to and substantially coextensive with said pressing face portion, a combined carrier plate and reflector to the underside of which said heating element is secured, and means for moving said heating element toward and away from said pressing face portion.

11. In a device of the kind described, an iron body having a downwardly open chamber substantially coextensive with its bottom portion, a relatively thin pressing face portion'formed by spaced wallsto pro vide an intermediate steam compartment said pressing face portion being connected with said iron body to close said chamber therein, means for delivering steam into said steam compartment, the outer wall of said pressing face portion having vents leading outwardly from said steam compartment, an electric heating element within said chamber opposed to and substantially coextensive with said pressing face portion, a combined carrier plate and reflector to the underside of which said heating element is secured, means for pivotally connecting the forward end of said carrier plate with the toe of said iron body, an expansible and contractible means responsive to temperature variations mounted at the heel of said iron bod and means interconnecting said expansib e and contractible means with the rearward free end of said carrier plate to produce regulatory swinging movements to carry said; heating element toward" and away from said ressing face portion.

In testimony, t at I claim the invention set forth above I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of Sept. 1925.

. CHARLES A. BREWER. 

